HC Deb 27 February 1969 vol 778 cc1898-9
20. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Postmaster-General what is the present waiting list for telephones in Glasgow; and what were the comparable figures on the same date in each of the previous three years.

Mr. Stonehouse

At 31st January, 1969—2,372. On the same date in the three previous years the list was 17, 891 and 604, respectively.

Mr. Taylor

Can the Postmaster-General give a reason for the increase, bearing in mind the substantial number of people who are having their telephones disconnected because of the increased charges?

Mr. Stonehouse

The reason for the increase in the waiting list in Glasgow is that under this Administration standards are rising enormously in Scotland and there is, therefore, a growing demand for the telephone, which we are very glad to see. Out of the 2,372 to which I referred, nearly 2,000 will have telephones connected within the next two months. This is a very good result.